Outlet Guide Vane Assembly with Local Vacuum Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing method for assembling guide vanes in aircraft turbomachines is inefficient due to the complexity and delicacy of placing prefabricated parts in an airtight pocket, which can lead to perforation, tears, and uneven heating, resulting in geometric and mechanical faults, and requires a single-use consumable that is difficult to repair.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the deposition of a polymerizable resin on a junction face of a blade body, positioning a cowl, and using a tarpaulin with a bead of sealing mastic to create a smaller, more controlled vacuum space for polymerization, reducing the risk of perforation and allowing for automated or manual operation, and a tool to facilitate the process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional airtight pocket is used to enclose the body and cowl during assembly, then the resin can be properly polymerized under vacuum, but the pocket is prone to perforation or tearing due to sharp edges on the parts
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the vacuum enclosure into two separate parts: a rigid support structure that contacts the sharp edges of the blade parts, and a flexible membrane that forms the vacuum seal. This segmentation allows the rigid structure to protect the flexible membrane from perforation while maintaining vacuum integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a rigid intermediate support structure between the sharp-edged blade parts and the flexible vacuum membrane. This intermediary protects the membrane from direct contact with sharp edges, preventing perforation while allowing the vacuum to be maintained.
2Reliability
If a large airtight pocket is used to enclose the entire blade assembly, then complete coverage is achieved, but the excess material creates folds that cause turbulence and uneven heating in the autoclave
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the vacuum enclosure system into a rigid support structure and a flexible membrane, allowing the membrane to be taut and minimal in size. This eliminates excess material and folds that would cause turbulence and heating non-uniformity in the autoclave.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a flexible membrane to form the vacuum seal, which can conform precisely to the blade assembly geometry without requiring excess material. This thin film approach eliminates the folds and turbulence problems associated with large rigid pockets.
3Reliability
If a conventional large vacuum pocket is used, then complete coverage of the blade is achieved, but the assembly time increases due to the delicate and time-consuming placement process
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the vacuum system into a rigid support structure that provides stability and a flexible membrane that seals the vacuum. This allows for quicker assembly compared to manipulating a single large delicate pocket, while maintaining vacuum integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible membrane automatically conforms to the blade assembly geometry when placed on the rigid support structure, eliminating the need for complex manual shaping and positioning that would increase assembly time.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This method improves the reliability and speed of assembly by reducing the risk of vacuum loss, minimizing manufacturing costs, and enabling more efficient use of autoclave space, while ensuring consistent heating and improved mechanical integrity of the guide vanes.
Implementation Method 1
an operation for placing a vacuum in a space between the tarpaulin and the lower surface
Implementation Method 2
The pressure differential between the inside of the bag, placed under vacuum, and the enclosure of the autoclave makes it possible to generate a force for pressing the cover against the body
Implementation Method 3
a heating operation capable of polymerizing the resin and thus fixing the hood on the dawn body
Implementation Method 4
The polymerization involves heating the resin, typically to a temperature between 160°C and 180°C
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6~8
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for assembling a body (71) and a cover (72) of a vane (7) by polymerisation of a resin. The cover (72) is positioned on a junction face of the body (71) covered with this resin. According to the invention, a sheet (102) is placed against a pressure side of the vane (7), formed by an outer face of the cover (72) and an outer face of the body (71), so as to define a space (E9) sealed with a bead of mastic sealant (101). The bead of mastic sealant (101) is deposited on the outer face of the body (71), around the junction face of this body (71). The space (E9) between the sheet (102) and the pressure side of the vane (7) is placed under vacuum during a heating operation of the vane in an autoclave, in order to press the cover (72) against the body (71) of the vane (7).